The End of First Love - Chapter 29

Elizabeth stared at a piece of paper, letting out a deep sigh.

(I should just throw this letter away. It’s wrong to doubt His Highness Heinz.)

Heinz had said he fell in love with the young girl he saved. He had loved her all this time, even though he knew a marriage between their noble families was impossible. Despite everything, he couldn’t give up. He had repeatedly said, “I love you.”

She didn’t want to believe it was a lie.

But the anxiety that had settled in her heart kept questioning if she could trust him.

(I want to trust His Highness. I really do—)

As Elizabeth moved to tear up the paper in her hand, her fingers froze, still gripping the edge of it.

“Miss, pardon my intrusion. I’ve brought tea for you,” a voice came.

Recognizing Milia entering with a knock, Elizabeth hurriedly hid the paper in the desk drawer.

“Milia, thank you. Could you please set it on the table?”

“Of course.”

“Say, Milia, would you join me for tea?”

As Milia set the tea and snacks on the table, Elizabeth sat on the sofa and invited her to have tea together.

“Miss, you haven’t changed at all. Whenever you’re troubled, you always come to me first. Do you know how much that means to me?”

Milia, who had always been by her side since childhood, was irreplaceable. She had always patiently dealt with Elizabeth’s stubbornness, guiding her back on track.

If it weren’t for Milia, Elizabeth wouldn’t be the person she was today. She would probably still be stuck on William, unable to move forward.

“I’ve always been such a burden to you, haven’t I? Thank you for everything, Milia.”

“I’d gladly bear any burden if it’s for you, Miss. But please, I don’t want you to turn into the kind of person who won’t listen to anyone, like you did with Prince William.”

“Yes, of course. I’ve learned from the matter with William. I now understand how important it is to listen to those I trust.”

However, the paper hidden in the drawer was something she could not reveal to Milia. She knew that Milia, who was always so calm and rational, would likely tell her to tear it up.

(I shouldn’t be swayed by the nonsense of an unknown man.) Elizabeth understood this with her head, but her heart clung to the paper, believing it might be the key to resolving the doubt swirling in her mind. That’s why she couldn’t bring herself to throw it away.

“Miss, I understand you’re troubled about His Highness Heinz. I know it’s hard not seeing him for so long, and it’s natural to feel anxious. But are you really going to stay cooped up at home, letting that anxiety build? I know it’s difficult to meet him because of the Duke’s interference, but there are still ways to reach him. Why not let me help? If you simply told me you’d like to contact him, I’ll do whatever I can.”

“But… I can’t trouble you any more than I already have.”

“It’s not a burden, Miss. I’d do anything to make you happy. Sometimes, it’s important to act on your own desires. That’s why I’ve already taken matters into my own hands.”

With that, Milia handed her a letter, and Elizabeth opened it, her eyes filled with tears as she read the words written inside.

“—Let’s meet tonight. Heinz.”

“This is an invitation from His Highness Heinz. The theater in the city will allow you to avoid the Duke’s gaze. You’ve been quite down since the Princess Consort’s tea party, and I assumed the noble ladies of the Crown Prince’s faction have been saying things to you. That’s why I took the liberty of contacting His Highness. If you’re uncertain, why not go directly to ask him? That’s the best way.”

“Milia…”

“You’re such a handful, Miss. Now, come on! We don’t have time.”

Milia took her hand and led her to a mirror. In it, Elizabeth saw her tear-streaked face and Milia, smiling as though laughing through her tears.

♦︎♢♦︎♢♦︎

Elizabeth, riding in the carriage towards the theater, glanced down at the dress Milia had dressed her in and felt a rising anxiety.

(I feel like it looks childish. Is this alright…?)

The design of the dress, a navy fabric adorned with black lace at the chest and black rose embroidery spreading down to the hem, was not inappropriate for her age. The lace might have been a little much, but it was within reason.

However, the real issue was the length of the dress. It was so short that her ankles were clearly visible.

And under the dress, with a pannier giving it volume, she wore frilly drawers, making her look like a porcelain doll.

(It’s supposed to be a disguise, but this might be too much.)

If she were wearing a white dress instead of navy, she’d look like a little girl.

But it was too late to turn back now. Considering the rumors circulating the streets, this level of disguise might actually be necessary.

(I’m being painted as the villain after the broken engagement with Prince William, and rumors have been spreading.)

The play “The Sad Tale of the Baroness’ Daughter and the Kind Prince” was all the rage in the city, and everyone was wondering who the villainess, the malicious duke’s daughter, was based on.

(If they figure out that the villainess is me, it could cause trouble for His Highness Heinz too…)

(At least with this outfit, no one should recognize me. I hope…)

As these thoughts circled her mind, the carriage arrived at the theater.

With the coachman’s help, she got out and was guided by the theater manager to a private room on the second floor.

The room jutted out above the first-floor seats, offering a balcony view, perfect for watching the play without being seen, and ideal for a secret meeting.

“Your guest is waiting inside.”

“Thank you.”

After a quick bow, Elizabeth followed the manager’s gesture towards the door, knocking softly. The door opened to reveal an elderly man who greeted her.

“Lady Elizabeth Baker, I presume? His Highness Heinz is waiting for you inside.”

Elizabeth’s eyes went to the direction he pointed. Behind a heavy curtain, she couldn’t make out anything inside.

(His Highness Heinz is behind that curtain…)

Her heart raced, and she stepped forward, feeling her chest tighten with anticipation. It was different from the feeling she had when meeting William; this excitement was much more intense.

“His Highness Heinz!”

She threw open the curtain and ran towards the figure she had longed to see.

“Elizabeth, you’ve come. I’ve missed you terribly.”

His Highness Heinz gently patted her head as she rushed into his embrace, and Elizabeth felt the warmth of his touch soothing her.

Even being treated like a child felt so comforting when it came from the person she loved.

“I missed you so much, Heinz. I’ve been so lonely without you.”

After the tea party hosted by the Princess Consort, Elizabeth had been in a hostile environment, with no allies to speak of. Many noble ladies and their families had been ready to bring her down.

How many times had she wished that Heinz were by her side?

Having been loved by him, and knowing what it felt like to love him in return, Elizabeth had grown weak.

(It was my own weakness that allowed the doubts in my heart to grow during these days apart from him.)

The image of the letter flashed through her mind, but she shook her head.

(Trust in His Highness Heinz… Trust him…)

To drown out the growing anxiety, she pressed her lips against his. The moment their lips met, heat surged from where they touched, spreading throughout her body.